Luminarts Cultural Foundation
Applications for open Fellowship Programs are listed below. For general questions about program eligibility please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Luminarts at info@luminarts.org.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 15, 2027 at 11:59 PM CST.
-The Luminarts Creative Writing Fellowship awards $10,000 unrestricted Fellowships to writers in two categories: poetry and prose (prose includes fiction and non-fiction).
-Luminarts Fellows are eligible to apply for additional project funding, residencies, and professional development opportunities for 10 years after winning the Fellowship.
-Applicants may reapply to the Luminarts Fellowship annually, but they are only eligible to receive the Fellowship award once.
-Select Creative Writing Finalists will receive a $300 Honorable Mention Award.
-Finalists who are eligible for the 2028 Luminarts Fellowship will receive written feedback from the judges.
AI Policy
-Writing submitted for adjudication must be entirely created by the applicant.
-Each applicant will be required to certify that artificial intelligence (A.I.) was not used in the creation of the writing submitted for adjudication.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must be able to answer “yes” to all of the following criteria:
-I am between the ages of 18 and 30 years old on the day I submit my application.
-I am legally able to receive taxable income in the United States (i.e., I have a social security number).
-I live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop on the day I submit my application.
OR
-I do not currently live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop but I have spent 4-6 consecutive formative years within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop and consider myself a Chicago artist. Luminarts defines “formative years” as a pivotal turning point in your training, education, artistic sensibility, and/or personal development.
Finalist Requirements
-You must be able to answer “yes” to the following in order to win the Creative Writing Fellowship. If you are not available for the date below, you will not be considered for the Fellowship.
-I am available the evening of May 20, 2027, to read my work at the Luminarts Creative Writing Showcase at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604.
For questions about eligibility or more information about the Fellowship, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
Submission Guidelines
The following components are required as part of your application:
-A written piece(s) of your work, ten (10) pages maximum length, double-spaced (excerpts from longer work are also allowed, but limited to ten/10 double-spaced pages). See below for more details.
-An artist statement outlining what your career objectives are as an artist and how you envision your art/career impacting the Chicago region. Your artist statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
-The name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference. Note that references may not be contacted as part of this process.
-CV/Resume.
-If you do not currently live/reside in the Chicago area, you will be required to provide detail on how the Chicago region has influenced your art practice, including training, community involvement, and/or personal perspective. You will be required to certify the number of consecutive years you spent in residence in the Chicago area. Your regional impact statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
Writing Submission Guidelines
-You will have space to upload one (1) document. This may be one piece or multiple pieces combined into one document, with clear title headings/separations if necessary.
-Submissions greater than ten (10) double-spaced pages will not be considered.
-Submissions must be double-spaced.
-Submit your writing in either poetry or prose. You must select one category, and all work submitted must fit into that category. Therefore, your submission will be all poetry or all prose. (Prose poetry should be categorized as poetry.)
-Your submission can be one piece no longer than ten (10) double-spaced pages; an excerpt no longer than ten (10) double-spaced pages from a longer work; or multiple pieces/excerpts which together are no longer than ten (10) double-spaced pages.
-Each document should be double-spaced, using 12 pt. type, in a standard academic font (i.e., Times New Roman, Cambria, Georgia, Arial, or Calibri).
-Please submit your piece in Microsoft Word or PDF format. (.doc, .docx, or .pdf)
-The file name should be either the title of the piece or “2027 Luminarts Submission.”
-Remove your name from all pages.
-If your written piece is an excerpt of a longer work such as a novel or short story, space will be provided for you to attach the full piece in addition to the excerpt. Judges may not read longer works.
-You will have the option to submit an audio recording of you reading your work. This is in addition to your written document submission. Audio recordings may not be submitted in place of your work in writing.
-Edit the entire document for grammatical, spelling, or other unintended errors.
After Submitting Your Application
-You will receive a confirmation email immediately after successfully submitting your application. If you do not receive a confirmation email please check your spam/junk filter settings. If you still have not received confirmation after submitting your application, please contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
-Applicants will be notified via email by or before April 20, 2027 regarding whether they have been selected as a Luminarts Fellow. If you are selected as a winner, you must be available on the evening of Thursday, May 20, 2027 to read at the Luminarts Creative Writing Showcase at the Union League Club of Chicago.
Luminarts Jazz Improvisation Fellowship
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 15, 2027 at 11:59 PM CST.
-The Luminarts Jazz Improvisation Fellowship awards $10,000 unrestricted Fellowships to jazz musicians through the performance of original, creative, and spontaneously improvised jazz music.
-Luminarts Fellows are eligible to apply for additional project funding, residencies, and professional development opportunities for 10 years after winning the Fellowship.
-Applicants may reapply to the Luminarts Fellowship annually, but they are only eligible to receive the Fellowship award once.
-Jazz Improvisation Finalists will receive a $300 Honorable Mention Award.
-All finalists who are eligible for the 2028 Luminarts Fellowship will receive written feedback from the judges.
AI Policy
-Performances/arrangements submitted for adjudication must be entirely created by the applicant.
-Each applicant will be required to certify that artificial intelligence (A.I.) was not used in the creation of the performances/arrangements submitted for adjudication.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must be able to answer “yes” to all of the following criteria:
-I am between the ages of 18 and 30 years old on the day I submit my application.
-I am legally able to receive taxable income in the United States (i.e., I have a social security number).
-I live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop on the day I submit my application.
OR
-I do not currently live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop but I have spent 4-6 consecutive formative years within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop and consider myself a Chicago artist. Luminarts defines “formative years” as a pivotal turning point in your training, education, artistic sensibility, and/or personal development.
Finalist Requirements
-If you are selected as a finalist, you must be available to attend the live final audition. If you are not available for the final audition, you will not be considered for the Fellowship.
-Jazz Improvisation Finals: Thursday, May 6, 2027 from 6-8 PM at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604.
-For questions about eligibility or more information about the Fellowship, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
Submission Guidelines
The following components are required as part of your application:
-Video recordings which will be reviewed by a panel of jurors. (see below)
-An artist statement outlining what your career objectives are as an artist and how you envision your art/career impacting the Chicago region. Your artist statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
-The name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference. Note that references may not be contacted as part of this process.
-CV/Resume.
-If you do not currently live/reside in the Chicago area, you will be required to provide detail on how the Chicago region has influenced your art practice, including training, community involvement, and/or personal perspective. You will be required to certify the number of consecutive years you spent in residence in the Chicago area. Your regional impact statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
Jazz Video Recordings
-Applicants must attach video recordings of excerpts from each of the repertoire categories listed below. You may record a video using a mobile device or other recording equipment, or submit professional recordings from performances. Your recordings will be used for judging purposes. You may submit one recording of all three requirements, or split requirements up into separate files. The total length of the recordings must be no longer than 20 minutes.
-Recordings that feature accompaniment are preferred. Recordings with play-along recordings are also acceptable. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge and respect for the melody, and accuracy of improvising chord changes. Ensemble recordings that include the applicant as a soloist may also be used but must be edited to include only the applicant’s solo sections.
-YouTube/Google Drive link or file uploads are allowed.
-File name should be the title of the piece if samples are broken up into separate videos.
-File names and videos may not include your name or other personal information.
-Please provide the highest quality recordings possible and note a variety of selections within the guidelines is preferred.
-All submissions must be unedited except for purposes of shortening the submission or cutting separate selections together.
-Please save all recordings and videos in the event we need you to resubmit any of the materials.
Jazz Repertoire List
-Please submit your repertoire list in the designated field on the application.
-Please list the pieces in the order they are submitted in the video section.
-Please note which piece fulfills the requirement for a composer with a historically underrepresented identity.
Jazz Repertoire Requirements
Applicants will submit three contrasting pieces:
-medium-tempo blues
-up-tempo standard
-ballad
*Each of these pieces should be in different keys.
*Different styles are encouraged. While the above tempos are recommended, we understand that those tempos do not always apply for different arrangements.
*Contrast in style and tempo are recommended, but ultimately up to the applicant as to how they want to showcase their playing ability.
*Applicants are required to include at least one piece written by a composer with a historically underrepresented identity (including but not limited to a BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and/or woman composer).
Instrumentation Suggestions
For the preliminary round, the below is recommended (not required):
-Trumpet, saxophone, and trombone players will perform with piano (or guitar), bass, and drums.
-Guitarists will perform with bass and drums.
-Pianists will perform with bass and drums.
-Bassists will perform with piano (or guitar) and drums.
-Drummers will perform with piano (or guitar) and bass.
-Vocalists will perform with piano (or guitar) and drums.
After Submitting Your Application
-You will receive a confirmation email immediately after successfully submitting your application. If you do not receive a confirmation email please check your spam/junk filter settings. If you still have not received confirmation after submitting your application, please contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
-Applicants will be notified by April 6, 2027, as to whether they have been selected as a Luminarts Jazz Finalist.
-The final audition is a live event on Thursday, May 6, 2027 from 6-8 PM at the Union League Club of Chicago. You must be available for the final audition at the time of your application.
What to Bring to the Final Audition
-A jazz trio will be provided to accompany finalists. Do not bring your own accompanist(s)/band.
-Finalists will have a twelve (12) minute audition time slot.
-Finalists will be asked to select repertoire for the final audition. At a minimum, you must include at least one piece from each of the repertoire categories above. We encourage you to personalize your repertoire selection to best represent your skill and artistry.
-Finalists’ repertoire must be approved in advance of the live final audition. -Repertoire selections do not need to be exactly the same between the two rounds, but they must fulfill all requirements in both rounds. Final judges reserve the right to ask for a change in repertoire in advance of the final audition if your selections have not satisfied the requirements.
-Finalists must bring three (3) lead sheets for the trio.
-Finalists will be judged on their knowledge of standard jazz practices, artistry, and execution. The melodies and chord changes should be memorized.
-Judges may not ask to hear all three of your selections.
-Warm-up space cannot be guaranteed, so please come to the final audition warmed up.
Classical Voice Fellowship
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 15, 2027 at 11:59 PM CST.
-The Luminarts Classical Music Fellowship awards $10,000 unrestricted Fellowships to classical musicians in the following disciplines: classical piano, classical strings, classical winds, classical voice.
-Luminarts Fellows are eligible to apply for additional project funding, residencies, and professional development opportunities for 10 years after winning the Fellowship.
-Applicants may re-apply to the Luminarts Fellowship annually, but they are only eligible to receive the Fellowship award once.
-Classical Music Finalists will receive a $300 Honorable Mention Award.
-All finalists who are eligible for the 2028 Luminarts Fellowship will receive written feedback from the judges.
AI Policy
-Performances submitted for adjudication must be entirely created by the applicant.
-Each applicant will be required to certify that artificial intelligence (A.I.) was not used in the creation of the performance submitted for adjudication.
Eligibility Requirements To be eligible, you must be able to answer “yes” to all of the following criteria:
-I am between the ages of 18 and 30 years old on the day I submit my application.
-I am legally able to receive taxable income in the United States (i.e., I have a social security number).
-I live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop on the day I submit my application.
OR
-I do not currently live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop but I have spent 4-6 consecutive formative years within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop and consider myself a Chicago artist. Luminarts defines “formative years” as a pivotal turning point in your training, education, artistic sensibility, and/or personal development.
Finalist Requirements
-If you are selected as a finalist, you must be available to attend the live final audition. If you are not available for the final audition, you will not be considered for the Fellowship.
-Classical Voice Finals: April 29, 2027, 6-8 PM
-All final auditions take place at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604.
For questions about eligibility or more information about the Fellowship, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
Submission Guidelines
The following components are required as part of your application:
-Video recordings which will be reviewed by a panel of jurors. (see below)
–An artist statement outlining what your career objectives are as an artist and how you envision your art/career impacting the Chicago region. Your artist statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
-The name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference. Note that references may not be contacted as part of this process.
-CV/Resume.
-If you do not currently live/reside in the Chicago area, you will be required to provide detail on how the Chicago region has influenced your art practice, including training, community involvement, and/or personal perspective. You will be required to certify the number of consecutive years you spent in residence in the Chicago area. Your regional impact statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
Video Recordings
-Applicants must attach video samples of excerpts from each of the repertoire categories listed below. You may record a video using a mobile device or other recording equipment, or submit professional recordings from performances. Your recordings will be used for judging purposes. You may submit one recording of all three requirements, or split requirements up into separate files. The total length of the recordings must be no longer than 20 minutes.
-Some of the repertoire requirements are longer than twenty (20) minutes. Use your best judgement on which portions of the requirements to submit.
-YouTube link or file uploads are allowed.
-Recordings that feature a collaborative pianist are preferred. Recordings with play-along recordings are also acceptable.
-File name should be the title of the piece if samples are broken up into separate videos.
-File names and videos may not include your name or other personal information.
-Please provide the highest quality recordings possible and note a variety of selections within the guidelines is preferred.
-All submissions must be unedited except for purposes of shortening the submission or cutting separate selections together.
-Please save all recordings and videos in the event we need you to resubmit any of the materials.
Voice Repertoire List
-Please submit your repertoire list in the designated field on the application.
-Please list the pieces in the order they are submitted in the video section.
-Please note which piece fulfills the requirement for a composer with a historically underrepresented identity.
Voice Repertoire (all from memory, except #2 oratorio)
-One (1) aria from an opera in its original language
-One (1) aria from an oratorio in its original language
-One (1) art song in its original language
*Choose repertoire selections from a variety of languages.
*One piece must be composed and sung in English.
*One piece must be contemporary (1960 – Present).
*Applicants are required to include at least one piece written by a composer with a historically underrepresented identity (including but not limited to a BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and/or woman composer).
*To best showcase your talent, jurors recommend you work with your collaborative pianist to cut any music where the pianist is playing for a long period of time.
After Submitting Your Application (Voice)
-You will receive a confirmation email immediately after successfully submitting your application. If you do not receive a confirmation email please check your spam/junk filter settings. If you still have not received confirmation after submitting your application, please contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
-Applicants will be notified by or before March 29, 2027, as to whether they have been selected as a finalist.
-The final audition is a live event on Thursday, April 29, 2027 from 6-8 PM at the Union League Club of Chicago. You must be available for the final audition at the time of your application.
-Voice finalists must bring a collaborative pianist to the final audition.
What to Bring to the Final Audition (Voice)
-Voice finalists must bring a collaborative pianist to the final audition.
-Finalists will be asked to select repertoire for the final audition. At a minimum, you must include at least one piece from each of the repertoire categories above. We encourage you to personalize your repertoire selection to best represent your skill and artistry.
-Finalists’ repertoire must be approved in advance of the live final audition. -Repertoire selections do not need to be exactly the same between the two rounds, but they must fulfill all requirements in both rounds. Final judges reserve the right to ask for a change in repertoire in advance of the final audition if your selections have not satisfied the requirements.
-Bring three (3) copies of a list of your repertoire to the audition, as well as three (3) copies of your sheet music, hole punched in a binder, in order of your repertoire list. Jurors will request selections based on your repertoire list. Be prepared to perform any selections listed on your repertoire list. Audition slots are twelve (12) minutes per finalist; therefore, jurors will not request every selection be performed.
-If a selected piece does not have accompaniment, perform the piece as the composer intended it to be performed.
-Warm-up space cannot be guaranteed, so please come to the final audition warmed up.
2027 Luminarts Classical Piano Fellowship
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 15, 2027 at 11:59 PM CST.
-The Luminarts Classical Music Fellowship awards $10,000 unrestricted Fellowships to classical musicians in the following disciplines: classical piano, classical strings, classical winds, classical voice.
-Luminarts Fellows are eligible to apply for additional project funding, residencies, and professional development opportunities for 10 years after winning the Fellowship.
-Applicants may re-apply to the Luminarts Fellowship annually, but they are only eligible to receive the Fellowship award once.
-Classical Music Finalists will receive a $300 Honorable Mention Award.
-All finalists who are eligible for the 2028 Luminarts Fellowship will receive written feedback from the judges.
AI Policy
-Performances submitted for adjudication must be entirely created by the applicant.
-Each applicant will be required to certify that artificial intelligence (A.I.) was not used in the creation of the performance submitted for adjudication.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must be able to answer “yes” to all of the following criteria:
-I am between the ages of 18 and 30 years old on the day I submit my application.
-I am legally able to receive taxable income in the United States (i.e., I have a social security number).
-I live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop on the day I submit my application.
OR
-I do not currently live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop but I have spent 4-6 consecutive formative years within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop and consider myself a Chicago artist. Luminarts defines “formative years” as a pivotal turning point in your training, education, artistic sensibility, and/or personal development.
Finalist Requirements
-If you are selected as a finalist, you must be available to attend the live final audition. If you are not available for the final audition, you will not be considered for the Fellowship.
-Classical Piano & Strings Finals: March 25, 2027, 6-8 PM
-All final auditions take place at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604.
For questions about eligibility or more information about the Fellowship, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
Piano Submission Guidelines
The following components are required as part of your application:
-Video recordings which will be reviewed by a panel of jurors. (see below)
-An artist statement outlining what your career objectives are as an artist and how you envision your art/career impacting the Chicago region. Your artist statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
-The name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference. Note that references may not be contacted as part of this process.
-CV/Resume.
-If you do not currently live/reside in the Chicago area, you will be required to provide detail on how the Chicago region has influenced your art practice, including training, community involvement, and/or personal perspective. You will be required to certify the number of consecutive years you spent in residence in the Chicago area. Your regional impact statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
Piano Video Recordings
-Applicants must attach video recordings of excerpts from each of the repertoire categories listed below. You may record a video using a mobile device or other recording equipment, or submit professional recordings from performances. Your recordings will be used for judging purposes. You may submit one recording of all requirements, or split requirements up into separate files. The total length of the recordings must be no longer than 20 minutes.
-The applicants’ hands must be visible in relative close-up to best showcase the applicant’s artistry and skill.
-Some of the repertoire requirements are longer than 20 minutes. Use your best judgment on which portions of the requirements to submit.
-YouTube/Google Drive link or file uploads are allowed.
-File name should be the title of the piece if samples are broken up into separate videos.
-File names and videos may not include your name or other personal information.
-Please provide the highest quality recordings possible and note a variety of selections within the guidelines is preferred.
-All submissions must be unedited except for purposes of shortening the submission or cutting separate selections together.
-Please save all recordings and videos in the event we need you to resubmit any of the materials.
Piano Repertoire List
-Please submit your repertoire list in the designated field on the application.
-Please list the pieces in the order they are submitted in the video section.
-Please note which piece fulfills the requirement for a composer with a historically underrepresented identity.
Piano Repertoire (All From Memory)
- Prelude and Fugue, Bach’s Well Tempered Clavier (no repeats)
- One (1) sonata (complete movements) or other major work from Classical Period (no repeats)
- One (1) major work from the Romantic or Impressionist Period (no repeats)
- One (1) bravura etude or toccata (no repeats)
- One (1) contrasting composition from the 20th or 21st century. Please provide the score if the piece was written after 1970.
*Applicants are required to include at least one piece written by a composer with a historically underrepresented identity (including but not limited to a BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and/or woman composer).
After Submitting Your Application (Piano)
-You will receive a confirmation email immediately after successfully submitting your application. If you do not receive a confirmation email please check your spam/junk filter settings. If you still have not received confirmation after submitting your application, please contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
-Applicants will be notified by or before February 15, 2027 as to whether they have been selected as a finalist.
-The final audition is a live event on March 25, 2027 from 6-8 PM at the Union League Club of Chicago. You must be available for the final audition at the time of your application.
What to Bring to the Final Audition (Piano)
-Finalists will be asked to put together a 45-minute piano recital program. At a minimum, you must include at least one piece from each of the repertoire categories above. We encourage you to personalize your repertoire selection to best represent your skill and artistry.
-Finalists’ repertoire must be approved in advance of the live final audition.
-Repertoire selections do not need to be exactly the same between the two rounds, but they must fulfill all requirements in both rounds. Final judges reserve the right to ask for a change in repertoire in advance of the final audition if your selections have not satisfied the requirements.
-Bring three (3) copies of your repertoire list to the audition, as well as three (3) copies of your sheet music, hole punched in a binder, in order of your repertoire list. Jurors will request selections based on your repertoire list. Be prepared to perform any selections listed on your repertoire list. Audition slots are twelve (12) minutes per finalist; therefore, jurors will not request every selection be performed.
-Please note: there will not be a guaranteed warm-up space, so please come warmed up!
2027 Luminarts Classical Strings Fellowship
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 15, 2027 at 11:59 PM CST.
-The Luminarts Classical Music Fellowship awards $10,000 unrestricted Fellowships to classical musicians in the following disciplines: classical piano, classical strings, classical voice, classical winds.
-Luminarts Fellows are eligible to apply for additional project funding, residencies, and professional development opportunities for 10 years after winning the Fellowship.
-Applicants may re-apply to the Luminarts Fellowship annually, but they are only eligible to receive the Fellowship award once.
-Classical Music Finalists will receive a $300 Honorable Mention Award.
-All finalists who are eligible for the 2028 Luminarts Fellowship will receive written feedback from the judges.
AI Policy
-Performances submitted for adjudication must be entirely created by the applicant.
-Each applicant will be required to certify that artificial intelligence (A.I.) was not used in the creation of the performance submitted for adjudication.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must be able to answer “yes” to all of the following criteria:
-I am between the ages of 18 and 30 years old on the day I submit my application.
-I am legally able to receive taxable income in the United States (i.e., I have a social security number).
-I live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop on the day I submit my application.
OR
-I do not currently live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop but I have spent 4-6 consecutive formative years within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop and consider myself a Chicago artist. Luminarts defines “formative years” as a pivotal turning point in your training, education, artistic sensibility, and/or personal development.
Finalist Requirements
-If you are selected as a finalist, you must be available to attend the live final audition. If you are not available for the final audition, you will not be considered for the Fellowship.
-Classical Piano & Strings Finals: March 25, 2027, 6-8 PM
-All final auditions take place at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604.
For questions about eligibility or more information about the Fellowship, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
Strings Submission Guidelines
The following components are required as part of your application:
-Video recordings which will be reviewed by a panel of jurors. (see below)
–An artist statement outlining what your career objectives are as an artist and how you envision your art/career impacting the Chicago region. Your artist statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
-The name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference. Note that references may not be contacted as part of this process.
-CV/Resume.
-If you do not currently live/reside in the Chicago area, you will be required to provide detail on how the Chicago region has influenced your art practice, including training, community involvement, and/or personal perspective. You will be required to certify the number of consecutive years you spent in residence in the Chicago area. Your regional impact statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
Strings Video Recordings
-Applicants must attach video recordings of each of the three repertoire categories listed below. You may record a video using a mobile device or other recording equipment, or submit professional recordings from performances. Your recordings will be used for judging purposes. You may submit one recording of all three requirements, or split requirements up into separate files. The total length of the recordings must be no longer than 20 minutes.
-Recordings that feature a collaborative pianist are preferred. Recordings with play-along recordings are also acceptable.
-The applicants’ hands must be visible in relative close-up to best showcase the applicant’s artistry and skill.
-Some of the repertoire requirements are longer than 20 minutes. Use your best judgment on which portions of the requirements to submit.
-File name should be the title of the piece if samples are broken up into separate videos.
-File names and videos may not include your name or other personal information.
-Please provide the highest quality recordings possible and note a variety of selections within the guidelines is preferred.
-All submissions must be unedited except for purposes of shortening the submission or cutting separate selections together.
-Please save all recordings and videos in the event we need you to resubmit any of the materials.
Strings Repertoire List
-Please submit your repertoire list in the designated field on the application.
-Please list the pieces in the order they are submitted in the video section.
-Please note which piece fulfills the requirement for a composer with a historically underrepresented identity.
Strings Repertoire (recommended to play with a collaborative pianist)
-One (1) concerto from memory
-One (1) sonata with piano (memory not required)
-One (1) other piece approximately 12-15 minutes in length (not a movement from a larger piece – memory not required)
*One of these selections must be contemporary (1945 – Present).
*Applicants are required to include at least one piece written by a composer with a historically underrepresented identity (including but not limited to a BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and/or woman composer).
*To best showcase your talent, jurors recommend you work with your collaborative pianist to cut any music where the pianist is playing for a long period of time.
After Submitting Your Application (Strings)
-You will receive a confirmation email immediately after successfully submitting your application. If you do not receive a confirmation email please check your spam/junk filter settings. If you still have not received confirmation after submitting your application, please contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
-Applicants will be notified by or before February 15, 2027 as to whether they have been selected as a finalist.
-The final audition is a live event on March 25, 2027 from 6-8 PM at the Union League Club of Chicago. You must be available for the final audition at the time of your application. String finalists must bring a collaborative pianist with them to the final audition.
What to Bring to the Final Audition (Strings)
-String finalists must bring a collaborative pianist with them to the final audition.
-Finalists will be asked to select repertoire for the final audition. At a minimum, you must include at least one piece from each of the repertoire categories above. We encourage you to personalize your repertoire selection to best represent your skill and artistry.
-Finalists’ repertoire must be approved in advance of the live final audition.
-Repertoire selections do not need to be exactly the same between the two rounds, but they must fulfill all requirements in both rounds. Final judges reserve the right to ask for a change in repertoire in advance of the final audition if your selections have not satisfied the requirements.
-Bring three (3) copies of a list of your repertoire to the audition, as well as three (3) copies of your sheet music, hole punched in a binder, in order of your repertoire list. Jurors will request selections based on your repertoire list. Be prepared to perform any selections listed on your repertoire list. Audition slots are twelve (12) minutes per finalist; therefore, jurors will not request every selection be performed.
-If a selected piece does not have accompaniment, perform the piece as the composer intended it to be performed.
-Please note: there will not be a guaranteed warm-up space, so please come warmed up!
Luminarts Classical Winds Fellowship
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 15, 2027 at 11:59 PM CST.
-The Luminarts Classical Music Fellowship awards $10,000 unrestricted Fellowships to classical musicians in the following disciplines: classical piano, classical strings, classical voice, classical winds.
-Luminarts Fellows are eligible to apply for additional project funding, residencies, and professional development opportunities for 10 years after winning the Fellowship.
-Applicants may re-apply to the Luminarts Fellowship annually, but they are only eligible to receive the Fellowship award once.
-Classical Music Finalists will receive a $300 Honorable Mention Award.
-All finalists who are eligible for the 2028 Luminarts Fellowship will receive written feedback from the judges.
AI Policy
-Performances submitted for adjudication must be entirely created by the applicant.
-Each applicant will be required to certify that artificial intelligence (A.I.) was not used in the creation of the performance submitted for adjudication.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must be able to answer “yes” to all of the following criteria:
-I am between the ages of 18 and 30 years old on the day I submit my application.
-I am legally able to receive taxable income in the United States (i.e., I have a social security number).
-I live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop on the day I submit my application.
OR
-I do not currently live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop but I have spent 4-6 consecutive formative years within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop and consider myself a Chicago artist. Luminarts defines “formative years” as a pivotal turning point in your training, education, artistic sensibility, and/or personal development.
Finalist Requirements
-If you are selected as a finalist, you must be available to attend the live final audition. If you are not available for the final audition, you will not be considered for the Fellowship.
-Classical Winds Finals: April 15, 2027, 9 AM – 12 PM
-All final auditions take place at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604.
For questions about eligibility or more information about the Fellowship, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
Submission Guidelines
The following components are required as part of your application:
-Video recordings which will be reviewed by a panel of jurors. (see below)
-An artist statement outlining what your career objectives are as an artist and how you envision your art/career impacting the Chicago region. Your artist statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
-The name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference. Note that references may not be contacted as part of this process.
-CV/Resume.
-If you do not currently live/reside in the Chicago area, you will be required to provide detail on how the Chicago region has influenced your art practice, including training, community involvement, and/or personal perspective. You will be required to certify the number of consecutive years you spent in residence in the Chicago area. Your regional impact statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
Video Recordings
-Applicants must attach video recordings of each of the three repertoire categories listed below. You may record a video using a mobile device or other recording equipment, or submit professional recordings from performances. Your recordings will be used for judging purposes. You may submit one recording of all three requirements, or split requirements up into separate files. The total length of the recordings must be no longer than 20 minutes.
-Some of the repertoire requirements are longer than 20 minutes. Use your best judgment on which portions of the requirements to submit.
-Recordings that feature a collaborative pianist are preferred. Recordings with play-along recordings are also acceptable.
-YouTube/Google Drive link or file uploads are allowed.
-File name should be the title of the piece if samples are broken up into separate files.
-File names may not include your name or other personal information.
-Please provide the highest quality recordings possible and note a variety of selections within the guidelines is preferred.
-All submissions must be unedited except for purposes of shortening the submission or cutting separate selections together.
-Please save all recordings in the event we need you to resubmit any of the materials.
Winds Repertoire List
-Please submit your repertoire list in the designated field on the application.
-Please list the pieces in the order they are submitted in the video section.
-Please note which piece fulfills the requirement for a composer with a historically underrepresented identity.
Winds Repertoire (recommended to play with a collaborative pianist):
-One (1) complete concerto from memory
-One (1) sonata with piano (memory not required)
-One (1) contrasting modern or contemporary composition, 1945 – Present (memory not required)
*Applicants are required to include at least one piece written by a composer with a historically underrepresented identity (including but not limited to a BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and/or woman composer).
*It is recommended that the concerto and the sonata represent different music periods.
*To best showcase your talent, jurors recommend you work with your collaborative pianist to cut any music where the pianist is playing for a long period of time.
After Submitting Your Application
-You will receive a confirmation email immediately after successfully submitting your application. If you do not receive a confirmation email please check your spam/junk filter settings. If you still have not received confirmation after submitting your application, please contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
-If selected as a finalist, you will schedule an audition from a list of available audition times. Please note, there is no fee to book an audition.
-Applicants will be notified via email by March 15, 2027 if they have been selected as a finalist.
-The final auditions will take place on the morning of Thursday, April 15, 2027 at the Union League Club of Chicago.
-Audition times are not guaranteed until you receive an email confirmation from Luminarts with the booked audition time.
What to Bring to the Final Audition
-Wind finalists must bring a collaborative pianist with them to the final audition.
-Finalists will be asked to select repertoire for the final audition. At a minimum, you must include at least one piece from each of the repertoire categories above. We encourage you to personalize your repertoire selection to best represent your skill and artistry.
-Finalists’ repertoire must be approved in advance of the live final audition. -Repertoire selections do not need to be exactly the same between the two rounds, but they must fulfill all requirements in both rounds. Final judges reserve the right to ask for a change in repertoire in advance of the final audition if your selections have not satisfied the requirements.
-Bring three (3) copies of a list of your repertoire to the audition, as well as three (3) copies of your sheet music, hole punched in a binder, in order of your repertoire list. Jurors will request selections based on your repertoire list. Be prepared to perform any selections listed on your repertoire list. Audition slots are twelve (12) minutes per finalist; therefore, jurors will not request every selection be performed.
-If a selected piece does not have accompaniment, perform the piece as the composer intended it to be performed.
-Winds finalists will be notified by 12 PM CT on the day following their audition whether they have been selected as a Luminarts Fellow.
-Applicants will be able to cancel or reschedule an existing audition by contacting Luminarts at info@luminarts.org. The deadline to schedule or cancel an existing audition is Friday, April 9, 2027 at 12:00 PM CT. Any applicant who cancels an audition after the deadline or is a no call/no show to a scheduled audition without previously contacting Luminarts will be disqualified from any future Luminarts programs.
-Applicants who arrive five (5) minutes past their scheduled audition time will not be able to audition.
-Warm-up space cannot be guaranteed, so please come to the final audition warmed up.
Luminarts Visual Arts Fellowship
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 15, 2027 at 11:59 PM CST.
-The Luminarts Visual Arts Fellowship awards $10,000 unrestricted Fellowships to visual artists in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, and video.
-Luminarts Fellows are eligible to apply for additional project funding, residencies, and professional development opportunities for 10 years after winning the Fellowship.
-Applicants may reapply to the Luminarts Fellowship annually, but they are only eligible to receive the Fellowship award once.
-Visual Arts Finalists will receive a $300 Honorable Mention Award.
-All finalists who are eligible for the 2028 Luminarts Fellowship will receive written feedback from the judges.
-Please note that artists integrating video into their work may apply and are welcome to submit short clips of the integrated pieces along with images of the overall installation. However, the Luminarts Visual Arts Fellowship program does not currently accept short films.
AI Policy
-Artwork submitted for adjudication must be entirely created by the applicant.
-Each applicant will be required to certify that artificial intelligence (A.I.) was not used in the creation of the artwork submitted for adjudication.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must be able to answer “yes” to all of the following criteria:
-I am between the ages of 18 and 30 years old on the day I submit my application.
-I am legally able to receive taxable income in the United States (i.e., I have a social security number).
-I live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop on the day I submit my application.
OR
-I do not currently live or reside within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop but I have spent 4-6 consecutive formative years within 150 miles of the Chicago Loop and consider myself a Chicago artist. Luminarts defines “formative years” as a pivotal turning point in your training, education, artistic sensibility, and/or personal development.
Finalist Requirements
-You must be able to answer “yes” to all of the following criteria to move forward in the Fellowship process. If you are not available for any one of these dates, you will not be considered for the Fellowship.
-I am available daytime hours during the week of March 8, 2027, to install artwork at Chicago Art Department, 1926 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
-I am available to attend the Visual Arts Exhibition on March 12, 2027 from 6:00-8:00 PM CT at Chicago Art Department, 1926 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608.
-I am available to de-install and load out my work from Chicago Art Department, daytime hours during the week of April 26, 2027.
-Please note that Luminarts Cultural Foundation is not responsible for finalist work while it is in the gallery space.
For questions about eligibility or more information about the Fellowship, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
Submission Guidelines
The following components are required as part of your application:
-Three (3) images of your artwork (see below for more details).
-An artist statement outlining what your career objectives are as an artist and how you envision your art/career impacting the Chicago region. Your artist statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
-The name, contact information, and relationship to one (1) professional or educational reference. Note that references may not be contacted as part of this process.
-CV/Resume.
-If you do not currently live/reside in the Chicago area, you will be required to provide detail on how the Chicago region has influenced your art practice, including training, community involvement, and/or personal perspective. You will be required to certify the number of consecutive years you spent in residence in the Chicago area. Your regional impact statement may not include your name or other personal information. (250-500 words)
Image/Video Guidelines
-Image resolution should be a minimum of 72 ppi.
-YouTube/Google Drive link or file uploads are allowed.
-If uploading images/video directly to Submittable, image file sizes may not exceed 1 MB (video clip limit is 50 MB).
-File name should be the title of the piece.
-Files and images may not include your name or other personal information.
-All images submitted must be of original artworks able to be installed in a shared gallery space within a limited period of time. Space will be provided on the application to include details about each work. Please include the title, date, medium, and dimensions in inches. Example: My Art, 2023, Inkjet print, acrylic, and oil on canvas, 20” x 30″
-Artists integrating video into their work may apply and are welcome to submit short clips of the integrated pieces along with images of the overall installation. However, the Luminarts Visual Arts Fellowship Program does not currently accept short films. If submitting a video file, the file size may not exceed 50 MB and the video length may not exceed three (3) minutes
-Images and videos are reviewed by Luminarts jurors. If a particular piece requires multiple angles or views then you may create one (1) image file with all views to be counted as one (1) submission/piece. Please exercise good judgment when submitting images and/or videos.
-Please note that if selected as a finalist, you will be required to bring your own equipment for the installation.
-Space in the gallery is limited. If you are selected as a finalist, Luminarts staff will reach out to discuss options if there is a concern about the size of your piece(s).
After Submitting Your Application
-You will receive a confirmation email immediately after successfully submitting your application. If you do not receive a confirmation email please check your spam/junk filter settings. If you still have not received confirmation after submitting your application, please contact Program Director Alex Benjamin at info@luminarts.org.
-Applicants will be notified via email by February 22, 2027 regarding whether or not they have been selected as a Luminarts Visual Arts Finalist.
Please read the information below in its entirety, as guidelines are subject to change.
About the Project Grant Program
Luminarts Fellows may apply for funding of artistic projects for up to 10 years after they win their initial Fellowship. While Project Grants aim to support a broad and diverse scope of career development opportunities for Fellows, Project Grant proposals are strongest when they demonstrate a significant and pivotal impact both on the individual Fellow and on the Chicago region specifically. Applying for a project grant is a competitive process and not all applicants can be funded.
Mission
Luminarts Cultural Foundation identifies, amplifies and invests in exemplary emerging artists, to ensure that Chicago has a vibrant and sustainable cultural infrastructure.
The mission of Luminarts Project Grants is to support Luminarts Fellows in developing creative work which impacts their individual craft and careers, while benefiting the Chicago region.
The Project Grant Program’s goals include:
● To grant funds that help realize artists’ evolving vision and meet their individualized needs.
● To address gaps in local funding for early career artists who may lack institutional recognition.
● To support a diverse group of artists reflective of the city of Chicago and its cultural landscape.
Deadline
Applications will be available on September 9, 2026, and must be submitted in full by October 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Timeline (subject to change)
September 9, 2026: Grant applications will be available on Submittable.
October 15, 2026: Grant applications must be submitted in full via Submittable by 11:59 PM CT.
December 4, 2026: Fellows will be notified of the status of their application via email.
December 11, 2026: Luminarts will send a grant agreement to awarded grantees for signature.
December 18, 2026: Payments disbursed pending successful completion of grant agreement.
September 1, 2027: Grant report questions will be made available to awarded grantees.
December 1, 2027: Grant reports due in full by awarded grantees.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must be Luminarts Fellows awarded in 2016 or after.
Applicants must legally be able to receive taxable income in the U.S. (i.e., have a social security number).
While applicants are not required to live in the Chicago region, they must be able to demonstrate how the funded opportunity will directly benefit the Chicago region.
Benefit is defined as 1) involving Chicago artists, technicians, and/or other cultural workers in compensated, credited roles; 2) making the project available for Chicagoans to experience via public showings, performances, online distribution, etc; and/or 3) featuring Chicago in the themes or content of the project.
Luminarts grant awards are subject to all applicable taxes, fees, and other withholdings as required by awardees’ state/country of residence.
Applicants may request funding up to $5,000 per grant cycle. The request cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost/budget.
All funding granted must be spent and accounted for by December 1, 2027.
Project must be completed and reported on by April 1, 2027.
Please note that special cases arise in which projects are delayed or altered, and an extension may be granted if requested in writing to Alex Benjamin, Program Director, at alex@luminarts.org.
Fellows can receive Project Grant funding only one time per 12 month period. So, if you received a Project Grant on the March 15, 2026 deadline, you are not eligible for the October 15, 2026 deadline.
Fellows can receive project grant support totaling up to $15,000 within 10 years of being named a Fellow. After $15,000 or 10 years, whichever comes first, you are no longer eligible for Luminarts project grant funding.
Project discussion with Luminarts staff prior to submitting an application is encouraged but not required. Contact Alex Benjamin, Program Director, at alex@luminarts.org with questions or to set up a meeting. Questions submitted less than five days in advance of the deadline may not be answered in time for you to submit your application.
General Guidelines
While these grants may be used for a broad array of artistic projects, applicants must demonstrate how the funding will achieve the artist’s professional and personal goals, and how the funded project will in turn benefit the Chicago region (see Eligibility above).
Projects need not be fully “fleshed out” with complete timelines and confirmed venues, but it must be clear to the review panel that it will be feasible for the applicant to complete the project within one year of receiving funding.
Projects are more likely to be funded when they exhibit one or more of the following:
other funding sources that are already confirmed or highly likely;
a well-thought-out timeline with dates/date ranges, equipment, realistic cost estimates, personnel, and venues in mind or already confirmed, if applicable;
clear connection between the applicant’s goal(s) for the project and the plan for execution.
All awarded grantees must mention Luminarts Cultural Foundation's contribution in marketing and/or PR materials.
Fellows are encouraged to consider how their project might be beneficial to and/or involve other emerging artists and Fellows.
Project grants are for projects rather than solely for equipment or instrument purchases. Applications for equipment or instrument purchases will be considered if situated within a larger project with professional/personal goal(s) that will benefit the Chicago region.
Please see application form for more specific guidelines on sections of the application.
Equity
Luminarts is committed to ensuring equity within its programs and welcomes applicants, artists, audience members, and supporters regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, class, religion, sexual orientation, or citizenship status.
Review Process
1. Eligibility Screening
Luminarts staff will screen applications for eligibility and pass eligible applications on to the review panel.
2. Panel Review
Applications that meet eligibility requirements will be reviewed by a panel charged with reviewing eligible proposals, discussing projects’ merit and feasibility, making comments, and assigning numerical scores using the rubric (below).
3. Funding Recommendations
The review panel makes funding recommendations to Luminarts staff. The staff’s role is to facilitate all steps of the review process, and aid the panel in finding consensus.
Scoring Rubric
Project Feasibility (25%)
Is the project feasible within the granting timeline?
Is the budget realistic?
Is the timeline realistic?
Is the application complete and understandable, providing an adequate idea of the project as a whole as well as its component parts?
Impact on Applicant (25%)
Will the project help the applicant towards professional and personal goals?
Are those goals clear and well-defined, with direct connection to the project?
Impact on Community (25%)
Will the project benefit the Chicago region?
Benefit is defined as 1) involving Chicago artists, technicians, and/or other cultural workers in compensated, credited roles; 2) making the project available for Chicagoans to experience via public showings, performances, online distribution, etc; and/or 3) featuring Chicago in the themes or content of the project.
Artistic Merit (25%)
Is the project clear and compelling?
Was it easy to understand the goals and benefits of the project?
Does the project, along with applicant’s other work, bring fresh perspective to artistic concepts or societal issues?
Please use this form to report on your project funded in the October 15, 2025 Luminarts Grant Cycle.
This report is due by January 15, 2027 unless an extension date is agreed upon in advance, in writing, with Luminarts staff.